Danny Williams has been fined £2,000 and banned from contesting the British heavyweight title for six months following his late withdrawal from a fight with Matt Skelton.
Williams, 32, pulled out of his scheduled July fight against Skelton, with the British Boxing Board of Control accepting the explanation he was suffering from flu.

However, they fined Williams for "unprofessional conduct" due to the timing of his withdrawal and because he had not contacted officials.

A statement from the British Boxing Board of Control read: "Having listened to the evidence presented by Mr Williams, who appeared unrepresented, the stewards were satisfied that he had been genuinely ill at that time and unable to go through with the contest.

"However, it was determined that he had failed to notify his illness to any medical officer, any official of the board nor anyone connected with the promotion, and withdrew at an unreasonably late time, thereby putting the promotion, for which his contest was to have been the main event, in jeopardy."

Chesterfield boxer Mark Krence replaced for Williams on the morning of the fight at the Bolton Arena, with Skelton winning in seven rounds.

Williams, who has 14 days to appeal, was hoping to rearrange a fight with Skelton later this year.

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I have to say, "****ing right!"

Danny Williams agreed to fight Matt Skelton and pulled out with 12hrs notice. He said he had "a cold" or something or other... It was bull****!

When people are paying £35.00 for the cheapest tickets in the house, only to find out the main event is cancelled the day they turn up, it's not on!

not true from what ive heard FW was trying to get he skelton match back on. Matt has been struggling for opponents hence his inactivity. With a 6 month ban i guess this wont be happening at least not for the British title.